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To find out how much space a Nintendo Switch game download needs, open that game’s listing in Nintendo eShop and check its stated storage requirement. To see how much room is free on your console, go to HOME Menu > System Settings > Data Management; the available space for System Memory and an inserted microSD card is shown at the top.
Find the game’s storage requirement
Nintendo says the storage requirement for a digital game is shown on its Nintendo eShop listing. Search for the exact title and check the listing before buying or downloading: requirements differ from game to game. For a physical version, check the game packaging instead. Nintendo Support: Not Enough Space to Download Nintendo Switch eShop Content.
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Check how much space is free on your Switch
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management.
- Read the available-space figures at the top of the screen for System Memory and, if a card is inserted, the microSD card.
Nintendo documents this menu path in its available-space instructions.
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Compare the figures carefully
Compare the eShop listing’s stated requirement with the available space shown in Data Management. Treat the listing as the game’s stated requirement, not a guarantee that it captures every later change: Nintendo’s support guidance does not establish whether a particular figure includes future updates or other changing data. Check the current listing and read any on-screen download prompt for the specific game.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
What to do if there is not enough space
Archive software you are not using
Archiving downloaded software removes its software data to free storage while retaining its HOME Menu icon and save data. You can download the software again later. Nintendo describes archiving and storage management in its Data Management FAQ.
Expand storage with a compatible microSD card
Nintendo Switch can use a microSD card for downloaded software, software updates, and downloadable content. Nintendo’s guidance covers Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED; Switch 2 has separate storage-card requirements, so do not apply the compatibility details below to that console.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
| Card type | Nintendo’s stated capacity |
|---|---|
| microSD | Up to 2 GB |
| microSDHC | 4 GB to 32 GB |
| microSDXC | 64 GB to 2 TB; a system update is required |
Nintendo recommends a UHS-I-compatible card and a transfer speed of 60–95 MB/sec; within that guidance, higher speed supports a better gameplay experience. These are Nintendo’s compatibility recommendations, not a comparison of particular retail cards. Its microSD Card FAQ has the technical details.
Keep save data in mind
Save data is stored in System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card. A card can add room for software and related downloads, but it does not move save data off the console. Nintendo also recommends using one microSD card with a console: content on multiple cards cannot later be combined onto one card.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
- Reliable Real-World Capacity - Labeled Capacities/Usable Capacities: 64GB/≥58GB; 128GB/≥116GB; 256GB/≥232GB; 512GB/≥465GB; 1TB/≥908GB (Due to OS formatting and binary/decimal calculation differences)
- 4K & Full HD Ready — Optimized for high-bitrate video recording and burst-mode photography. Handles RAW files, time-lapse sequences, and smooth 4K UHD playback without lag or frame drops.
- UHS-I U3 + A2 Certified Speed — Up to 100MB/s read speed (lab-tested); meets Video Speed Class V30 and Application Class A2 for fast app loading, responsive multitasking, and reliable performance on Android devices.
- Built for Adventure — Shock-resistant, IPX6 water-resistant, and rated for extreme temperatures (−10°C to +80°C). Also resistant to X-rays and magnetic fields — ideal for travel, outdoor use, and dashcams.
Rank #4
- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
Rank #3
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
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